When cycling in the city, you expect the occasional close call with traffic, but for one of our clients, a ride through London turned into a nightmare. While using a hire bike, he became the victim of a terrifying road rage attack that left him pinned against another car, deliberately hit by an angry driver. The driver’s actions resulted in serious physical and emotional injuries for our client, including a fractured spine, severe bruising, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The driver was later convicted and received a suspended sentence. While this brought some justice, it didn’t help our client deal with the life-altering consequences of the attack.
The Value of Cycling UK Membership and access to Cycle SOS Incident Line
Fortunately, our client was a member of Cycling UK, which gave him access to the legal cover from Cycle SOS and our legal expertise. Not only did his membership allow him to make a claim with no success fee (ensuring he kept 100% of his compensation), but it also saved him up to £20,000 in potential legal costs. This benefit ensured he received the full £80,000 settlement, maximizing his financial recovery.
Reflecting on the outcome, our client called his £55 Cycling UK membership “the best £55 I’ve ever spent.” Remarkably, the membership also covered him even though he was riding a hire bike at the time of the incident.
The Challenges
This case wasn’t straightforward. The driver’s insurance company initially indicated they might void the policy due to the criminal nature of the incident. There was a risk we might have to pursue the claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) or the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), both of which can be more complex and time-consuming.
However, after careful negotiation, we persuaded the insurer to accept liability and provide compensation to our client, even though they did not grant indemnity to the driver. We advised sensitively on all the options available to the client when the early settlement offer arrived and worked collaboratively to help the client reach their decision.
Getting the right outcome for our client
In the end, our client received £80,000 in compensation. This settlement will help him access treatment and move forward with his life without having to endure repeated medical assessments or relive the traumatic incident during a lengthy legal process.
Keith Edwards, the cycling lawyer handling the case, highlighted the importance of this resolution:
“I am really pleased that our client was able to secure a high award without having to go through several medical appointments. The PTSD element was a significant factor in deciding to settle early. It’s not just about compensation—it’s about enabling recovery and helping our client move forward.”
Moving Forward
This case underscores the value of having the right support when you need it most. Through Cycling UK and Cycle SOS, our client was able to secure the compensation and support he needed without extra costs. His membership provided peace of mind and financial security during one of the most challenging times of his life.
For our client, this wasn’t just about the money—it was about reclaiming his life and focusing on recovery after a horrifying ordeal to get him back on his bike.
